Panel to probe unfit vehicle in president's convoy

KARACHI BUREAU —The Sindh Inspector General of Police has formed a three-member committee to investigate how a defective government vehicle was assigned to President Asif Ali Zardari's convoy during his visit to Thatta. The committee has been given seven days to submit its findings and recommendations, according to a notification issued by the IG Sindh's office.

Additional IG Karachi Azad Khan will head the committee, with DIG Logistics and Welfare Zubair Dreshak and DIG Finance Tanvir Alam Odho as members. The committee will determine why a vehicle deemed unfit for road use was deployed in the presidential convoy and identify the officers and personnel responsible for its inspection and deployment.

It will also examine the vehicle's mechanical condition, any pre-existing defects and its repair and maintenance records. The inquiry will further scrutinise funds allocated and spent by the Sindh Police's Special Security Unit (SSU) on fuel, vehicle repairs and the purchase of new vehicles. The committee will identify those responsible for any negligence and recommend departmental action under the relevant rules.

It will also propose measures to prevent similar incidents in future VIP and VVIP convoys. The IG has directed the committee to submit its report within seven days.